Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), or acquired immune deficiency syndrome, is another major problem worldwide that is caused by the HIV virus, the human immunodeficiency virus. Our company is dedicated to supporting and advancing this critical vaccine and therapeutic development, working collaboratively with the global scientific community to translate discoveries into life-saving solutions.
Introduction to AIDS
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a serious illness caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which weakens the immune system, especially targeted CD4+ T cells which lead to severe immune failure. This how high susceptibility to opportunistic infections and specific cancers is developed leading to high morbidity and mortality. A 2019 report published by the World Health Organization (WHO) put the figure of people living with HIV at 38 million, indicating an important area for improvement in vaccines and therapies.
Fig.1 Schematic diagram of the structure and organization of the HIV-1 genome. (Blood G. A. C., 2016)
Vaccine Development for AIDS
Preventive Vaccines
HIV preventive vaccines have the purpose to enhance the immune system rotection such that the individual does not get infected with the HIV virus. The following have recently started clinical trials:
rAd5 HIV Vaccine: Characterization of this candidate shows that it is a recombinant adenovirus vector to introduce HIV antigens which showed potential in the previous trials as it was able to invoke cell-mediated immune responses.
HVTN 702: Similar to the results from RV144 trial, this candidate increases the immune response to HIV focusing on neutralizing antibodies and cellular immunity.
Therapeutic Vaccines
Therapeutic vaccines seek to enhance the immune function of those who are already suffering from HIV with the aim of controlling viral loads while also postponing the evolution to AIDS, as opposed to preventive vaccines which are intended to stop infection in the first place. These include:
PRO 140: A monoclonal antibody that neutralizes the CCR5 receptor has been proven effective in lowering the viral loads of HIV patients in conjunction with antiretroviral therapeutics.
VGX-3100: This DNA vaccine aims at particular viral proteins in order to generate a strong enough response to the body's immune system to combat HIV.
Therapeutics Development for AIDS
Antiretroviral therapy focuses on combined antiretroviral regimens that suppress HIV replication, prevent the progression to AIDS and conserve immune system function. Nowadays, there are several classes of antiretroviral drugs available:
- NRTIs: Dine B014-247 and AZT are a few examples that inhibit the activity of reverse transcriptase enzyme essential for the process of viral replication.
- NNRTIs: These drugs bind to reverse transcriptase at a different location which makes it impossible for the spike to form.
- PIs: Maturation of the virus is prevented by the proteolytic enzyme which the reverse transcriptase inhibitors induce.
- Integrase Inhibitors: These drugs prevent HIV from incorporating in the host's genome.
- Fusion and Entry Inhibitors: IBA-15 is one example that prevents HIV from penetrating into the host cells.
Table 1 Possible drug targets different from current HAART for HIV/AIDS therapeutics. (Lu D.Y., et al., 2018)
|
Drug Categories and Disciplines |
Drug Targets and Types |
| Biotherapeutic means |
HIV clearance; Host cell defensive; bio-molecules; Genomic editing; HIV vaccine developments; Vaccine challenge schedules |
| Other viral inhibitors |
Avian flu; Seasonal flu; Ebola |
| Free radical |
Antioxidant; NO interference |
| Immune promotions |
Polysaccharide |
| Epigenetic agents |
HIV latency activations |
| Medicinal chemistry |
Drug therapeutic index gains |
| Pharmacology |
Choice of optimal drug combinations in different clinical occasions and settings |
| Pathology |
Viral-induced pathways mediate; Human mortality counteractive measures |
| Pharmaceutical |
Nano-particle drug developments; HIV reservoirs penetrations |
Our Services
AIDS is a pandemic that requires constant development in terms of technology and collaboration. Our firm accommodates among the range of companies operating in AIDS vaccine and therapy development, based on the idea of employing high-end research and technology for developing alternative methods.
Disease Models
- Humanized Mouse (NSG or NOD/SCID) Models
- Non-Human Primate Models: simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) or simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) recombinants
- Transgenic Mouse Models: CD4, CCR5, and
We conduct extensive in vitro studies to evaluate the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety profiles of vaccine and drug candidates. In vivo studies in relevant animal models are also performed to assess immunogenicity, efficacy, and potential toxicities. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.
References
- Blood, German Advisory Committee. "Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)." Transfusion medicine and hemotherapy 43.3 (2016): 203.
- Tomaras, Georgia D., and Stanley A. Plotkin. "Complex immune correlates of protection in HIV-1 vaccine efficacy trials." Immunological reviews 275.1 (2017): 245-261.
- Lu, Da-Yong, et al. "HAART in HIV/AIDS treatments: future trends." Infectious Disorders-Drug Targets (Formerly Current Drug Targets-Infectious Disorders) 18.1 (2018): 15-22.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use
only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
